Hole 7 at National Golf Links of America
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 478 yds
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 47 yds deep × 38 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 5 · 478 yards
The plan for No. 7
The "St. Andrews" hole at National Golf Links of America pays homage to the legendary Road Hole with masterful deception across its 478 yards. This par 5 challenges golfers immediately with an obscured tee shot where rolling topography conceals the ideal landing area, demanding trust and precise course management. The drive must carry a strategic waste area while navigating subtly placed bunkers that appear deceptively benign from the tee. What makes this hole extraordinary is Charles Blair Macdonald's genius in transforming flat Long Island terrain into a psychological puzzle that rivals its Scottish inspiration. The small green complex rewards those who successfully decode the visual illusions, making National Golf Links of America hole 7 a testament to strategic architecture that has captivated golfers for over a century.
Off the tee
The tee shot presents the hole's first major challenge with obscured topography that hides the true landing area. You'll need to carry a waste area while navigating around two nearly invisible bunkers positioned on the left side of the fairway. Your target line should favor the right side of the fairway to avoid these hidden left-side bunkers, but don't drift too far right as the topography can create uneven lies. A driver or strong 3-wood is typically needed to clear the waste area and reach the optimal position, but course management suggests taking enough club to comfortably clear trouble rather than trying to squeeze out every yard.
Approach & recovery
The approach strategy depends heavily on your tee shot position and skill level. If you're in good position after your drive, the small green becomes the primary consideration for your second shot. Players attempting to reach in two should focus on the center of the green, as the compact target leaves little room for error. The green's small size means precision over power - a well-struck mid to long iron that finds the putting surface is far superior to a slightly mishit fairway wood that runs through. For those laying up, position your second shot to leave a comfortable wedge distance with a clear angle to the pin.
On the green
The small green demands respect and precise putting. Given its tribute to the Road Hole, expect subtle breaks and challenging pin positions that can make even short putts tricky. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being aggressive, as three-putting this small surface is surprisingly easy if you're not careful. Pay attention to the grain and any slope, as the compact nature of the green can make speed control crucial. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers a classic risk/reward scenario for longer hitters. Going for the green in two can yield eagle or birdie opportunities, but the small target and potential trouble around it make this a calculated gamble. The safer play of laying up and hitting a precise wedge often results in better scoring averages. Consider the pin position, wind conditions, and your current round momentum when making this decision. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Can consider going for the green in two with proper positioning, but should prioritize accuracy over distance. Focus on hitting the fairway off the tee and making smart decisions based on lie and conditions. **High Handicappers:** Should play this as a three-shot hole, focusing on keeping the ball in play and avoiding the waste areas and bunkers. Take enough club off the tee to clear trouble, lay up to your favorite wedge distance, and aim for the center of the small green. Par here is an excellent score. The key to mastering this tribute hole is understanding that like its famous inspiration, strategy and precision will always triumph over brute force and aggressive play.
Watch for
- Course conditioning and mapped hazards may affect line selection; confirm from the aerial.
Hole 7 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 8,066 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about National Golf Links of America — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Official & tour
Tour & network videos
Official coverage mentioning National Golf Links of America.
Inside Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg | 3 Key Holes
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Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured National Golf Links of America. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
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How did Hole 7 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 478 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 478 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.
How difficult is hole 7?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 7?
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The green is large and can play quite long. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
What's a good score on hole 7?
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This hole is a reachable par 5 with eagle chances for longer hitters. Birdie is very much in play here if you can set up a good approach.